Rodgers’s remarks are taken out of context; Clement ought to have known better

The Scottish football surroundings is full of drama and banter, especially when it comes to Celtic and Rangers coaches. With the Glasgow Derby approaching this Saturday, Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been stirred, not by the excitement of the match, but by what he feels to be a slight from his Celtic rival, Brendan Rodgers.

In a recent post-match press conference, Rodgers acknowledged his squad’s preparation for the derby with a sardonic smile typical of a man whose team had just thrashed Hearts 3-0. “We have a lot of work to do in the week, get our plan ready,” Rodgers added. But it was his final line—”And then next Saturday we can have a bit of fun”—that seemed to ruffle feathers all around town.

In his remark, Clement couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Disrespectful,” he branded the statements, implying that Rodgers might be taking their future meeting too lightly.

It’s remarkable how contempt can arise from an apparently innocent comment about having “a bit of fun.” It’s difficult not to respect the enthusiasm and the sometimes paranoia that motivates this rivalry. To an outsider, Rodgers’ comment looks to be nothing more than a lighthearted reflection on the joy that football can bring, especially in a game as important as the Glasgow Derby.

However, in the turbulent waters of Scottish football, where every word is scrutinised by a rivalry that frequently passes the line of lunacy, such remarks serve as the catalyst for the pre-game psychological combat. This never-ending cycle of verbal warfare feeds the newspapers and fuels the passions of the fans, who enjoy every minute of it.

Following press conferences where Brendan Rodgers praised the Glasgow Derby, it’s evident that his recent comment about having “a bit of fun” stems from his admiration for the fixture as a major event in Scottish football.

Rodgers has frequently stated that these derbies are a pleasure to play in—not because of the expectation of an easy victory, but because they represent the type of high-stakes encounters that true professionals crave and thrive in.

The Celtic manager’s style is based on rigorous preparation; he plans to work his team hard in training to improve their focus and readiness. The “fun” he alludes to is letting his players to express themselves on the pitch this Saturday, to play with the freedom and passion that such an important game deserves.

Clement was either looking to be offended, or the person who delivered Rodgers’ lines to him did not provide any context for the Belgian. He appeared to have succumbed to the strain for a brief moment, making statements that indicated he was a little spooked. His outburst could be interpreted as an indication of the immense tension that comes with the weight of expectation at Ibrox. Of course, you have the usual hard-headed urging the Ibrox manager to let it be their inspiration or motivation on Saturday; quite simply, if you need anything else other than what’s currently at stake to get up for this match, you’re in the wrong profession.

Celtic’s triumph would not only expand their lead to six points with only two games remaining, effectively securing the league title, but it would also reinforce their continued psychological advantage. A Rangers victory, on the other hand, would bring the sides level on points, focusing attention on goal difference—which Celtic presently leads by five—as a potential deciding factor in the title battle. The stage is set.

Joe Hart responds to the Celtic atmosphere on saturday.

In other news, Joe Hart responds to the Celtic atmosphere on saturday.